Bank of America Bets on InterContinental Hotels Stock Boost from World Cup Surge

Bank of America has spotlighted InterContinental Hotels Group (NYSE: IHG) as one hotel stock positioned for a notable boost thanks to an expected revival in U.S. travel linked to the upcoming World Cup. The bank didn't just keep its faith but bumped the price target from $137 to $156, suggesting an 11% upside for shares.Analyst Kate Xiao pointed to the World Cup's potential to pump up the company's revenue per available room (RevPAR) by 0.5% to 2 percentage points next year, a solid jolt considering that 2025 saw the U.S. market stubbornly decline by about 1% in RevPAR growth. After a rough first quarter in 2026, the expectation is for easier comparisons and significant boosts from the World Cup alongside America250 celebrations, especially in the second and third quarters.On top of the U.S. market conditions, Greater China is showing signs of improvement. Xiao highlighted InterContinental's premium positioning in the region, outperforming competitors like Hilton with a RevPAR premium. Growth in net unit expansion is also forecasted to pick up pace, moving from 4.4% to 4.8% as the company tightens its grip on brand power and loyalty programs.The battle between big hotel chains and online travel agencies - especially with the rise of AI in bookings - seems to be tilting in favor of large players like IHG. Their extensive brand lineup and loyal customer base are factors that could accelerate growth in the long haul.More than just room rates, the analyst shines a light on IHG's ability to diversify revenue. Fees from credit card licensing and branded residences present additional streams that might not get the same spotlight but add substantial upside over time.Financially, the numbers read strong with solid free cash flow and a sturdy balance sheet, giving the company room to continue buyback programs that support shareholder value. The stock's performance this year backs this out-already up 13% in 2025.This all suggests InterContinental Hotels is riding multiple currents simultaneously: a major seasonal tailwind from global events, strategic brand and loyalty initiatives, plus growing monetization avenues. Whether this mix keeps driving the shares higher remains to be seen, but the market certainly has its eyes on this hospitality player amidst a rebound in travel activities.